COVID-19 Patient information

Updates from principal dentist Dr Milisha Chotai.

Update 28/05/2020

I am pleased to let you know that we are planning to open for emergencies and essential treatments from the 4th of June. Routine face-face treatments will be available from the 8th of June. Please click on the below link for more information.

In the meantime, please refer to the below information should you have a dental emergency.

Some oral health tips during lockdown to prevent dental treatment once we re-open:

Be careful when it comes to snacking; It takes 1 hour for the pH to stabilise in the mouth after eating, and so you will be at risk of dental decay for one hour following intake of any foods/drinks (except water). You can use a fluoride mouthwash after meals (please follow the instructions on the bottle) to shorten the 1 hour window.

Use a Waterpik after intake of foods. It is super easy to use and quick!

Use an electric toothbrush (I recommend Oral B). Studies show that they are more efficient than manual toothbrushes.

Plaque is more prone to building up behind the lower front teeth. It helps to therefore brush twice on the insideof these teeth (once on the upper part of the teeth and once over the lower part of the teeth).

Sip on water regularly should you feel that your mouth is dry

Stress tends to build up around the shoulders and necks and sometimes this is due to tooth-grinding. Tooth-grinding/clenching can cause pain in the jaw, neck, and shoulders. It can also cause tooth wear and breakages. We usually would provide you with a customised soft bite guard if there is a sign of tooth wear. You can as an option during this time opt for ready-made night guards (available at boots). This will protect your teeth and hopefully help relieve your symptoms. How do you know if you are grinding/clenching? Your teeth should be slightly apart when you are not eating. People who grind/clench will not have a gap between the teeth when in a resting state.

If you find that you are like me (loves tea and coffee), you may during this time find that your teeth are staining/yellowing. Please refrain from using whitening toothpaste as this can cause damage to your enamel and also tends to make your teeth more sensitive. Over the counter whitening gels are not advisable as they can be damaging/not effective. You can discuss professional teeth-whitening with us one we re-open or just book a session for a fine stain removal polish with the hygienist (this is an add-on service to your regular hygiene appointment). I have tried it and highly recommend it!

I am eager to get back to dentistry again and look forward to seeing you soon! I will update this page as soon as I have more information.

My very best wishes,

Milisha

Practice principal

Dear Patient,

Firstly, I hope that you are feeling well. Given the unprecedented situation in the UK regarding the COVID-19 virus I felt it was important to reassure you that we are continuing to keep our practice clean and safe for both you and our team. You will appreciate that as a dental practice we work in an environment where the prevention of the spread of a whole range of infections is woven into everything that we do. Nevertheless, we are paying particular attention to the latest government guidance on the transmission of coronavirus.

As you know, Dentistry is my passion and so it is very sad for me to have to close the practice.We have been instructed to suspend all appointments until the Government advice changes and we receive further instructions. We are however going to remain on call for emergency dental care. I am currently only able to offer emergency advise over the phone and antibiotics where necessary (swelling of gums/face). If you have a problem, please ring the practice for further instructions/information

EMERGENCY TREATMENT

I am able to refer to Dental emergency services for the following serious dental emergencies only, so please only call if:

You are in severe pain (unable to sleep/having to take pain relief)

You are suffering from facial swelling

You have suffered trauma to a tooth or teeth

The out of hours emergency provision for our patients remains operational. Our patients are really important to us – you are all part of the “Newnham family”. Our caring team, will not be at work as a result of the crisis. If you are isolating and need provisions or other help, then please give me a ring and I will do my best to help.

IF ATTENDING FOR COLLECTION OF ANTIBIOTICS

Please stay in the car if you prefer

Do not attend early for your appointment

Please use the hand sanitiser on entering and leaving the building. Please forgive us if we don’t shake hands and talk to you with masks on our face.

There is a rather dramatic line between receptionists and the seating area. This is to catch your attention to ensure that we can continue to service you.

Keep us in the loop; please remember to call us if you wish to reschedule any of your booked appointments. We would be happy to schedule an alternative date for you.

Please be reassured that you will not miss out on any of the dental care you need. Once the crisis is over, we will be opening additional hours to catch up and give you the quality care that you have always received from us.

If you have a routine appointment booked with us in the next few weeks, expect a phone call/letter from us postponing it for a little while. Some of you will already be isolating due to age, health issues or exposure to Coronavirus, and the news that we are not expecting you to come into town for your appointment may be a relief to you.

Thank you for your patience and support as we navigate the next few weeks together. Please look at our website for updates and news.

We look forward to seeing you again soon!

With best wishes,

Dr Milisha Chotai DDS, MSc, MSc, PGCert

GUIDANCE FOR PATIENTS

PAINKILLERS

Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen, can help reduce sensitivity from teeth. Combining paracetamol and ibuprofen has also been shown to be effective.

There is currently no strong evidence that drugs like ibuprofen can make COVI-19 worse.

If you have no coronavirus symptoms carry on taking ibuprofen as normal.

So until we have more information take paracetamol to treat symptoms of coronavirus, unless your doctor has told you paracetamol is not suitable for you (Updated march 2020).

Painkillers should always be taken in accordance with instructions on the packet. Taking too many tablets or taking medications incorrectly will not improve your symptoms, and can cause serious stomach and liver injury which can be life threatening.

TOOTHACHE

If the tooth is extremely sensitive to hot or cold, antibiotics will not help. The tooth requires dental treatment. These home measures may help make symptoms manageable until care can be accessed.

Good cleaning with fluoride toothpaste and reducing sugar intake will help stop decay from getting worse.

If there is a hole in the tooth, or a tooth has cracked and is now sensitive/sharp, a temporary filling can be packed into the space. These are widely available from supermarkets and pharmacies

Desensitising/sensitive toothpaste (eg sensodyne repair & protect) can help. Rub toothpaste directly on the affected area and do not rinse afterwards. Anaesthetic gel such as Orajel can help ease pain.

WISDOM TEETH

Wisdom tooth pain is usually due to inflammation of the gum over the erupting tooth, which can be worsened by trauma from biting. Most flare ups can be managed with good home care and should settle in a few days to a week.

Excellent cleaning (even if it is painful to brush, the area must be kept clean to encourage healing).

Corosdyl mouthwash (avoid use >1 week as may cause staining)

Single tufted brush to enable reaching around the area

Soft diet (this will reduce the trauma from biting)

Painkillers (Ibuprofen or paracetamol following packet instructions)

Warm salty mouthwash

If you have difficulty swallowing, swelling in your face or cheek or difficulty opening your mouth, call your dentist. You may need antibiotics.

ULCERS

Although painful, most ulcers will heal within 7-10 days. Non-healing ulcers/oral lesions present for more than 3 weeks should be assessed by a dentist or doctor.

Warm salt mouthwash

Excellent cleaning (be gentle and use a soft/baby toothbrush)

Difflam spare or mouthwash as needed

Soft diet (will reduce trauma from biting)

Painkillers (paracetamol/ibuprofen following packet instructions)

Rubbing dentures (Denture adhesives like fixodent may help secure a loose denture. Any sharp edges can be removed using a sterile emery board. Remove dentures when possible if causing trauma)

Corsodyl mouthwash (avoid use for over 1 week as may cause staining)

Gengigel mouthwash (follow instructions)

PAIN OR BLEEDING AFTER AN EXTRACTION

Continue to take regular painkillers for several days after extraction, i tis normal for the pain to be at its worst at dat 3-4.

Some pink spit/oozing is normal after an extraction but if the socket is bleeding freely, bite hard on gauze or a clean hankie for 20 minutes. If bleeding has not stopped, call your dentist.

We cannot provide antibiotics for pain after extractions unless infection is present. We also cannot prescribe antibiotics over the phone without seeing you in person.

If you smoke or rinse too soon after an extraction, you risk a dry socket. This can be very painful and regular painkillers are unlikely to be effective. You should call your dentist for an emergency appointment. Antibiotics will not solve this, as a dressing is needed to cover the exposed bone. You will be directed to centres that are currently taking on patients.

BLEEDING GUMS

Bleeding from gums is not a dental emergency. Bleeding gums are usually due to gum disease, and will not stop until brushing improves. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes concentrating especially on the areas that are bleeding. Use a Waterpik between your teeth.

Our Latest Reviews

I had invisalign treatment for 18 months and the result is exactly as promised at the outset. Dr Stefan took great care to ensure that I received a straight smile , the staff were really helpful and accommodating throughout. Highly recommend!

Maria Cremona8/16/2018

Exceptional quality of care! Had an old filling replaced today by Dr Milisha and I am very happy with the result.

Rhiana Azzarone2/19/2020

On behalf of my husband, very happy with the excellent treatment he has received from Dr Milisha and the team at Newnham Dental Practice, highly recommend

Jeanette Stebbeds2/21/2020

Very satisfied with the dental care I received from Dr Chotai. She was proficient and professional.

L M Koh3/14/2020

I came from norway to have 12 months of invisagline treament. Great result, and good treatment from Dr.Abela and his team.

jay chotai10/11/2019

Request an appointment today

We take all steps to ensure that we understand your wishes, expectations and requirements. No one patient will receive the same treatment plan as the treatment times and materials are catered to suit your individual needs. Read more.